The Bank of Canada yesterday cut its 2026 growth forecast. Governor Tiff Macklem released a report warning of stubborn unemployment and weak investment: "Between October and now, what has changed?" READ MORE
$263K For Committee Coach
Federal managers in the past two years billed taxpayers more than a quarter million for coaching on how to answer questions at parliamentary committees. Disclosure of coaching fees followed complaints from one deputy minister that questioning by MPs was too rough: "One source of harassment stems from short, decontextualized clips of committee appearances by public servants being posted on social media." READ MORE
Gov’t Bank Plans For Layoffs
A Crown bank, Farm Credit Canada, yesterday said it is hiring counselors to provide “emotional support” for staff facing layoffs. The notice came as the Treasury Board said it will cut 1,000 executive positions government-wide: "Career transition can be a stressful time." READ MORE
Trouble Ahead, Warns PSAC
Cabinet must detail the full scope of piecemeal service cuts and layoffs, the national president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada said yesterday. “We are putting them on notice,” Sharon DeSousa told reporters. READ MORE
Alberta Pension Ante Is 15.5%
Less than 16 percent of Canada Pension Plan contributions are paid by Alberta residents, according to figures tabled in Parliament. Cabinet has disputed a 2023 report released by Premier Danielle Smith that Alberta was entitled to more than half of receipts if it pulled out of the national program: "Many contributors have earnings in more than one province." READ MORE
Reject ‘Pro-Investor’ Motion
The Commons yesterday by a 197 to 137 vote rejected a Conservative motion to repeal select federal regulations deemed anti-development. "What the Conservatives are actually proposing today is a Conservative agenda," said one Liberal MP. READ MORE
Remember The Convoy: MPs
The Minister of Industry yesterday said cabinet needs new powers to protect Canadians in a “chaotic and dangerous world.” Opposition MPs in response recalled cabinet’s unlawful 2022 crackdown on the Freedom Convoy that saw anti-terrorist laws misused to freeze peaceful protestors' bank accounts: "Why should Canadians trust you with these extraordinary powers given your government’s record?" READ MORE
Guest Commentary
When I was about to enter my first year of primary school, a specialist told me I would be unable to pass the first grade. I cried. Later I was able to get a four-year honours degree, to be published, to be in the labour market and travel to 50 countries all over the world. Perhaps it is sweet revenge. Everyone is different on the autism spectrum. We need to forge our path to happiness. Never give up.
